Nation's colors on display on Staten Island at Travis Fourth of July Parade

Staten Island Advance/Jamie LeeBagpipers march in the 99th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade.

Thousands are lining the streets of Travis, dressed in the nation's colors and waving her flag, at the 99th annual Travis Fourth of July Parade.

At a pre-parade ceremony in the yard of PS 26, Borough President James P. Molinaro, the grand marshal, asked those in attendance to show their appreciation for the soldiers, both active and retired, both stateside and overseas.

He also asked everyone to wish a "very happy birthday" to the "greatest country ever made."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg expressed the same sentiments, saying that "its our job to teach the youngsters what this holiday is all about."